Bojan Vrbnjak
Where else can you find affordable large medium large limo with internal combustion engines outside of German premium brands? Offer up increasingly rare. Bucking this trend are new releases VW Passat Estate in Škoda Superb. Both are very similar and come off the production line at the same factory in Bratislava, Slovakia. Time to compare!
Dimensions and shape
While it is new Škoda Superb still available as hatchbackbecause ninth generation VW Passat from now on only available as limo. That's why we use, of course, for comparison Super Combi. First, let's take a look at the measurements of the two big mid-range cousins:
| VW Passat Variant (2024) | Skoda Superb Combi (2024) | |
| Length | 4.917 mm | 4.902 mm |
| Width | 1.849 mm | 1.849 mm |
| Height | 1.506 mm | 1.482 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.841 mm | 2.841 mm |
So you can see that they are width and wheelbase both vehicles exactly the same, Škoda but it is somewhat shorter and lower. In particular, a visual side profile comparison shows how close they are Passat and Superb related. Without the front and back, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. On the left is always the Passat van and on the right is the Superb Combi.
Despite all attempts to distinguish the front part, the edges, folds and contours of the sheet metal are indistinguishable. However, this part is still the most differently designed on the two vehicles.
Take a look rear parts of hatchbacks. VW relies on continuous strip of light, Škoda places its brand name prominently in the middle of the trunk lid. However, the rear window spoiler frame is the same.
Interior
What are the differences inside? VW Passat Estate it absolutely has newly developed cockpit (with a 10,25-inch screen) and also a new infotainment system – MIB4. Details: new standard screen infotainment system it's big 12,9 inch. The 15-inch screen (see picture) can be configured as an option or depending on the equipment. It's the same in a vehicle Skoda Superb Combi: the infotainment system is large 10 or 13 inches, depending on the equipment version, while a 10-inch digital display behind the steering wheel is standard.
But v It's too bad there's also a touch of classic: the highlight on the center console there are three buttons with a 1,25-inch screen. Škoda names them Smart Dials and points out that they are configurable. They are set in series with the external ones heating and ventilation seats and the temperature inside the vehicle. With the center one you can set the volume, driving modes, fan speed and air direction. In addition to the new smart dials, there are the usual buttons for the ventilation of the windshield, the heating of the rear window, the function air recirculation and automatic climate control.
Let's take a look trunk: as always, there is no lack of space in it. Passat Variant and Superb Combi offer from 690 to 1.920 liters.
Engines
Program engines for both candidates it includes conventional VAG engines. It starts with 1,5-liter gasoline engine with electrification MHEV. This engine produces 150 BAM (110 kW) and is only available with front-wheel drive. Bigger 2,0 liter engine is available with 204 BAM (150 kW) or 265 BAM (195 kW), the latter is available with all-wheel drive.
On the diesel engine side, it has Superb "only" 2,0 liter four-cylinder engine with 150 BAM (110 kW) and front-wheel drive or 193 BAM (142 kW) and all-wheel drive. With its customers in mind, it will be in Passat engine also available 2.0 TDI with 122 hp. Regardless of the type of engine, they will be VW and Skoda installed in clean combustion engines 7-speed DSG gearbox. Speaking of the gearbox: gearshift lever was moved to steering column, in order to create space between the seats.
They are also on offer plug-in hybrids: their system strength is 150 kW (204 hp) and 200 kW (272 hp). Electric motor is powered by a new capacity battery 19,7 kWh (net energy). At fast charging points with direct current, it is now possible to 50 kW. However, the Superb only got the smaller 204bhp package.
Pricelist
Let's take a look costs of two large loaders on the German market. We limited the table to basic equipment. Here Škoda offers a bit more ex works, such as 2-zone automatic climate control. The most expensive Super Combi it is without additional equipment 2.0 TDI DSG 4&4 with 193 HP as L&K for 57.960 euros, while the diesel engine s 150 BAM feces R-Line za 53.470 euros it currently represents the top of the range of Passat hatchbacks.
The biggest diesel engine will be available a bit later. Currently only configurable for both models limited range of engines, probably due to the start of production; in the case of VW the base model is only available with the engine 1,5 TSI mHEV. By the way, Passat will be available in white, Superb but in blue. It will hit the market in the second quarter of 2024.
| Prices in € | VW Passat Variant (2024) | Skoda Superb (2024) |
| 1.5 TSI mHEV 110 kW (150 hp) | 39.995 | 39.580 |
| 2.0 TDI SCR 110 kW (150 HP) | 48.495 | 43.680 |
| 2.0 TDI 4×4 142 kW (193 hp) | It is not yet known | 47.680 |
